- Violence and road closures are driving food shortages and price increases
- Humanitarian access to people in need is impossible in many places
- Before the violence broke out, experts warned that one in nine people could be pushed to the brink of famine by May 2021
Major supply routes have been closed, leading to food shortages and rising food prices. Experts estimate that 30,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries and more than 60,000 have been internally displaced.
Prior to the current unrest, experts had predicted that one in nine people may be pushed to the brink of famine (IPC Stage 4) by May 2021. More than half the population – 2.3 million people – were expected to suffer acute food security, and now violence is worsening the situation. The conflict threatens to create a humanitarian disaster, particularly if conflict continues to restrict humanitarian access and leave vulnerable populations without essential aid.
Speaking from Bangui, Action Against Hunger’s Country Director in the Central African Republic, Mathilde Lambert said:
“People are fleeing their homes with just the clothes on their backs, and when they finally arrive at a place of relative safety, many can’t feed their families. Food is becoming scarce and prices are rocketing. Meanwhile, hundreds of food trucks are sitting idly on the other side of the border in Cameroon, unable to reach people trapped by the violence in Central African Republic.
“Even before fighting broke out, the food security situation in Central African Republic had been deteriorating. This is a country where more than half the population is projected to be facing crisis levels of food insecurity in the coming months and one in nine will be pushed to the brink of famine (IPC 4). The needs on the ground are already overwhelming, and rising violence could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.”
Action Against Hunger has been working in the Central African Republic since 2006. In 2020, we supported more than 300,000 people with nutrition, health, water, sanitation, hygiene, food security, livelihoods, and mental health services.
To arrange an interview, please contact Anthony Gale at press@actionagainsthunger.org.uk or call 0208 293 6130.
